What is the difference between dentists and orthodontists?
Whether you have minor dental issues and need a routine cleaning or you are experiencing severe bite or jaw issues, your oral health is important. It can be difficult to decide which type of dental professional to see. Dentists and orthodontists both help patients improve their oral health. Dentists focus in the overall health of teeth and gums such as regular cleanings and remove cavities, and deal with mouth infections. Orthodontists correct issues such as crooked, overcrowded, or poorly aligned teeth, and also correct over or under bites, and reduce/eliminate space between teeth.
What is a Dentist?
Most of us have seen a dentist before for a teeth cleaning or X-ray. Dentistry focuses on the overall health of the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Dentists treat a number of oral health issues and diseases including cavities, tooth decay, and gum diseases such as gingivitis. Dentists are also licensed surgeons and able to perform various procedures such as root canals.
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a licensed dentist that focuses on the correction of dental issues such as crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, and over/underbites. An orthodontist must undergo an additional 2 years of training beyond dental school specific to the field of orthodontist. If you visit your dentist and he notices space or crowding issues in the teeth, he or she may refer you to an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children visit an orthodontist by the age of 7 to catch problems early
What are the Benefits of Orthodontics?
Many people pursue orthodontic treatment with the simple goal of improving their smile and appearance. While that is among the benefits of orthodontics, the true goal of orthodontic treatment is the improved health and function of your teeth and jaw. Irregularly spaced teeth are more vulnerable to the development of plaque and decay because food particles and bacteria may accumulate in gaps between the teeth, causing future problems. Orthodontic treatment can also improve your ability to chew properly and speak clearly.
Orthodontic Services Offered:
• Braces
• Braces for Adults
• Braces for Kids
• Braces for Teens
• Ceramic Braces
• Lingual Braces
• Metal Braces
• Spacers for Braces
• Colored Braces
• Invisalign®
• Adult Invisalign®
• Invisalign® Teen
• Retainers
• Permanent/Bonded Retainer
• Hawley Retainer
• Clear Plastic Retainer
• Orthognathic Jaw Surgery
• Two-Phase Orthodontics
• Sure Smile®
• Propel Orthodontics
• Six Month Smiles®
• AcceleDent®
• Temporary Anchorage Devices
If you live in Charles County or St. Mary’s County, Maryland and want to learn more about orthodontics, you are invited to contact Sequence Orthodontics at our Waldorf or Leonardtown offices, where our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.
